By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: Gandhara Resource Centre, Pakistan (GRCP) and the Climate Hub Forum on Sunday signed an agreement to promote sustainable tourism, education, and research initiatives to develop eco-friendly tourism practices that honour Taxila’s archaeological heritage and enhance community engagement.
Climate Change and Environmental Education Training Program was held in Taxila, a city renowned for it’s Gandhara Civilization heritage jointly organized by the Climate Hub Forum and Odyssey, in collaboration with EYLAR (Early Years Learning and Research), the event took place at Sir Syed Innovative School Mohra Muradu, Taxila, and hosted by the Gandhara Resource Centre, Pakistan.
The event included sessions on climate change education, emphasizing the urgent impacts and strategies for environmental education, and heritage preservation, focusing on protecting Buddhist heritage sites. Additionally, sustainable tourism practices were discussed, highlighting their role in attracting tourists while preserving cultural legacies.
The speakers at the event included Amir Sadozai, CEO of the Climate Hub Forum; Erum Khan, Director of Odyssey; Batool Siddique, CEO of EYLAR; Riaz Ahmed, Coordinator of GRCP; Iftikhar ud din Siddique, Manager of PR and Community Outreach; Iftikhar Ahmed, Member of the Core Committee GRCP; Sohail Ahmed, Manager of Media; Pervaiz Khan, a renowned painter; Salman Tahir, CEO of Taxila Baithak; Asif Fareed, Co-Founder of Taxila Baithak; Tahir Mehmood Sheikh, Ex-Serviceman; Professor Turab Haider Naqvi of UET; Mumtaz Hussain, Managing Director of Hunza Lounge Adventure; Muhammad Hamza, Producer/Lecturer at Media National Excellence Institute; and Waqas Ahmed, a social activist.
The agreement also emphasizes educational programs that raise awareness about the interconnectedness of cultural and natural resources.
Finally, a ceremony at suburbs of Taxila Railway Station was held where Amir Sadozai donated plants to Mr. Shahid, CEO of Clean and Green Taxila, marking a significant step in enhancing urban greenery and promoting sustainability.